Cantina, The Hyperion
20:06 Ship Hour
*The cantina is full and there is a lot of fussiness. The bartender seem desperate as he is overwhelmed by the crew demands. Alona, Joe and Timothy are sitting around a table. They are having a very good time playing some sort of game that resembled to “True or False”.*
Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla
“Timmy, what’s your first thought jumping in your mind when you see Joe in his marine suit?” *laughing*
Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks
“Geez… *laughing* When he dresses up, he’s like… what’s that girl’s name from the child stories? Aha, Cinderella in distress.” *both Alona and Timothy are laughing loud*
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“I told you already: my suit is a bit larger and I look funny in it…” *smiling*
Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla
“Thank God it isn’t smaller to squeeze you inside. You would look like a hydra when a goliath steps on it!” *laughing even louder*
Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks
“Let’s move on to the next question. Joey, what goes through your head when Alona gives orders? Is it like old days?” *laughing*
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“Why do you ask? You’re pissed you don’t have the ranks to give me orders anymore? <<Astor, go get me a beer. That’s an order!>>” *impersonating Timothy and laughing with Alona*
Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks
*serious* “That’s not nice. Don’t make me change the game to “Let’s kick Astor’s ass until it gets inside his head.””
Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla
“Is it anatomically possible?” *laughing without stopping.*
Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks
“We’ll see.” *winks and smiles*
*Andrew enters the cantina and comes to the table.*
Prv. Andrew Fischer
“You seem to have a good time. Can I join you?”
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“It depends: will you ally with them and joke around with me?” *serious*
Prv. Andrew Fischer
“I don’t know. Are you an interesting subject of mockery?” *smiles*
Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks
“He’s an interesting subject in biology. Wanna see something cool?” *laughing*
Prv. Andrew Fischer
“Sure.” *enthusiast*
Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla
“Tan tan ta ta taaaaa. Behold master Sandman demonstrating how he can make a Slick transform into nothing.” *laughing*
*Timothy goes to Joe, picks him up and tries to hold him. Joe gets himself loose and trips Timothy who falls right on his face. Joe tries to help him get up, but Timothy grabs his hand and pulls him down. A true wrestling match begins. Everybody in the cantina comes to see the fight.*
Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla
“Here they go again… Joe, this time I put my bets on you!” *laughs*
Prv. Andrew Fischer
“Shouldn’t we break the fight?” *confused*
Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla
“Fight? No, no. This is good old fashion wrestling. Go, Slick!”
*The crowd is on fire. Bets start to open, making the fight a public show. Joe cannot reach Timothy at all and Timothy toys with him. The captain enters the cantina. Suddenly, everybody leaves the two to their fight.*
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“Where did everybody go? I was going to perform my super protossian uppertwist.”
Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd
“Save it for your next mission, Astor.” *serious*
*all of them get on their feet and salute.*
Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd
“At ease, marines. Squad One, report to the briefing room in 20 minutes. We have a new assignment for you.”
Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla
“Will do, sir. You heard the man. Lets move it.”
Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd
“Astor, one word.”
*Joe remains while the others leave the cantina.*
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“Sir, I regret seeing us like that. We were just having some fun…” *a bit nervous*
Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd
*Take it easy, marine. It’s alright to blow up some steam now and then. I wanted to ask you about your mission. Any clues about the informant?”
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“No, sir. Everybody acts natural. Even the new guy, Fischer, he seems to be clean too. I think we’re on a wild goose chase. There’s no informants in this squad.”
Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd
“I bear to differ. Continue your surveillance and report anything strange. Dismissed.”
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“Sir.” *leaving*
Briefing room, The Hyperion
20:28 Ship Hour
*In the briefing room were the captain, Squad One and dr. Carter.*
Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd
“Back on Roxara, Squad Ten entered the facility to retrieve their designated object when they found an interesting memory bank.”
*the hologenerator projects some images with a strange creature. It was both zerg and protoss but it was not an infestation made by the zerg.*
Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd
“We didn’t know what to make of it but dr. Carter brought us into light. Dr.?”
Dr. Sheldon Carter
“Yes. As you can see, this is what we call a Hydranouras Protossnovus, or in the short version, a hybrid.”
*Alona froze as she had seen a ghost. Joe quickly remembered Alona’s dream and understood her reaction.*
Dr. Sheldon Carter
“We do not know how such creature evolved. For sure, this is not a zerg infestation. As far as we know, the protoss cannot be easily assimilated by the swarm. Yet this hybrid presents both zerg and protoss features: it has a carapace skin and some tentacles just like the zerg, but the stature, the fact that it is biped and the absence of the mouth clearly indicates the protoss. Just imagine the complexity behind this genetic masterpiece…”
Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd
“We understand you revere it, but we need to know what is it capable of and if it is a threat to us…”
Dr. Sheldon Carter
“I do not revere it… I just appreciate it’s natural state. As for it’s capabilities… We cannot say many things. Because of their hardened skin, they are harder to kill then common zerg, so bullets will have a low impact on them. It can run faster then a human being and it is stronger due to it’s anatomical design. We can assume it has intelligence… but we need to study a specimen to say more.” *a bit disappointed*
Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd
“That’s why you are here. The pictures were taken on a remote planet, Atticus Minor. Your mission is to go there and search for such species. If you encounter one of them, your objective is to neutralize and bring it for further study. If you can capture it alive, better news for dr. Carter over here. Questions?”
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“What backup do we have?”
Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd
“It’s a reconnaissance mission. It turns into a hunt only if you encounter such things. We don’t expect things to go wrong. The medevac which will deploy you there, will await you at the LZ. If we lose contact with you, a team will come to check upon you in 24 hours.”
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“That doesn’t sound reassuring…”
Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks
“Pussy… You got cold feet?” *smiling*
Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla
“I’m sorry captain, but I don’t think I am fit to command on this mission.” *very serious*
Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd
“And why’s that?”
Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla
“I…. I don’t….” *tries to say something but cannot*
Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd
“Corporal?”
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“She has some health problems from the last mission. She didn’t want to say because medics recommended her to stay put for a couple of weeks. I think she understands the doctor’s concerns now…”
Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd
“Is this true?
Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla
“Yes…” *mumbles*
Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd
“Still you have to go. I haven’t got any recommendation from the medic about you so you will participate to the mission. The command goes to private Astor then. Dismissed.” *leaves the room*
Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks
“What was that all about, Alona?” *confused* “Is everything alright?”
Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla
“Yes… I’m just a bit tired and don’t want to screw this up.” *answers looking elsewhere and very concerned*
Prv. Andrew Fischer
“I’ll walk with you to the quarters.”
Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla
“I would appreciate that. Thanks.”
*Both Alona and Andrew are leaving the briefing room.*
Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks
“I don’t get it. Joe, what am I missing? She was fine earlier.”
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“Remember the dream she had a couple of months ago?”
Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks
“When she freaked out because of those experiments the tech guys were pulling on that protoss crap? Sure…”
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“These things were in her dreams…” *leaving the briefing room also*
Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks
“Wow… I saw scantids… *very concerned* I really hate scantids…” *leaving the room.*
The squad was not so comfortable to go on such a mission. They were practically going in blind, all they had were some photos retrieved from an enemy base. There was nothing more to start with. Even so, Joe tried to make all of them get into the state in which they can concentrate to go off world. Alona however was in no condition to participate. She was almost scared of what she could encounter there because of the dreams she had. She feared death would await all of them. She gave Joe long looks and he understood every one. He tried to talk to her but there was no use. She could not leave it alone. Timothy and Andrew talked a lot during the preparations and got to know each other better. But Joe still had his doubts about Andrew. He was not going to lose him out of sight during this mission…
Somewhere on the surface of Atticus Minor
13:55 Local Hour
*The planet’s surface was somewhat inhospitable. Many canyons and former mine shafts could be seen as far as the eye can cope. The very powerful winds brought the dust in the air, making very difficult to distinguish things in distant view. The squad had already arrived for some hours and began their search, but without any positive results.*
Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks
“Damn it, this is wasting time. I could of practice my sniper techniques…” *disappointed*
Prv. Andrew Fischer
“I don’t know what things might live on this rock. Even for the zerg, it doesn’t seem to good… Where are they getting food from?”
Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks
“From this baby!” *showing the rifle and smiling. Andrew smile also*
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“Guys, we almost finished checking all the designated sectors. There are two more left. Timmy, Fischer check sector B13, I and Alona will take B14. Report in 10 minutes through radio. You know the drill: if you see something, radio us to come, don’t be heroes. Got it?”
Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks
“Sure, slick.”
Prv. Andrew Fischer
“Yeah, yeah.”
*They split into two groups. After they made some steps, they could not even see each other because of the dust in the air. Joe and Alona went down a path which led to a former mineshaft entrance. They looked around for a bit but found nothing. When they were ready to go, Timothy tried to reach them on the radio.*
*radio static*
Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks
“Guys, we got something over here…” *puzzled*
Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla
“Joe…” *mumbles very scared*
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“What is it…”
*in front of them appeared a creature just like in the photos. Bigger then a hydra, it had a head that resembled to a protoss but a carapace skin which was no doubt zerg. It had no mouth but it could be heard talking. In front of Timothy and Andrew, another similar creature appeared.*
The Hybrid
“Humans, at last we meet.” *deep voice*
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“Timmy, you got that?” *serious*
Prv. Timothy „Sandman” Banks
“Hell yeah… But how? I see it but…”
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“It’s in our head. It’s telepathic… Let’s just listen to what they have to say.”
The Hybrid
“Silence… We were expecting you, just like the Prophet has foreseen. Astor, Joe… You shall be the one to complete our evolution. Do not try to resist it…” *approaching Joe*
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“Commence fire! Don’t let it touch you!” *starting to fire upon the hybrid*
*Alona was in deep shock and did not react*
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“Alona! Open fire, God damn it!” *desperately shouting at her*
*The hybrid approached Joe, but Alona also opened fire and the creature dropped dead after a little while. Alona could not stop shooting even after it was dead. Joe went to her and put his hand on the gun, making her understand it was enough. Only then Alona stopped.*
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“Are you alright? It is dead. Calm down!”
Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla
“I’m trying….” *confused and in shock*
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“Timmy, report.” *radio static* “Report, man.*
Prv. Andrew Fischer
“Astor, Banks is down. We managed to kill the son of a bitch but I don’t know what happened. You should come here asap.” *concerned and serious*
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“My God. On our way. Alona, let’s go!” *nervous*
*The two ran as fast as they could to Timothy’s position. When they got there, they saw Timothy lying still on the ground and Andrew trying to give him some stim to make him conscious.*
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“Fischer, what happened down here?
Prv. Andrew Fischer
“I don’t know. When it started to move, Banks ordered to shoot it and I did. I was concentrating my fire on it when something blew up in his suit near his helmet. Look, he took a blow to his head, near the eyes…”
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“The suit exploded? The hell with this! *furious* I knew there was something wrong with you and I shouldn’t leave you out of my sight. What did you do to him? *pushing Andrew to the ground*
Prv. Andrew Fischer
“Are you insane? I told you what happened. I had nothing to do with this…” *serious*
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“Tell me what you’ve done!” *pulling him up and punching right in his visor, tearing it to pieces and cutting his forehead*
*Andrew punches Joe in the back where the articulate motors were and the suit loses the ability to use his right hand. Then he pushes Joe to the ground and grabs his left hand, incapacitating him.*
Prv. Andrew Fischer
“Look Astor. You don’t like me? Good, but I’m not a traitor. And this is not the right place or time to discuss this subject…”
Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla
“He’s right. We have movement at 5 o’clock. Massive movement. Looks like zerglings are on the move.”
*Andrew helps Joe get up.*
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“We’ll finish this later. Alona, take head, I’ll carry Timmy while Fischer assures our back. Go!”
*When they try to leave, another hybrid arrives, out of nowhere.*
The Hybrid
“There is no reason to fight us. We are the next step in evolution. We will assimilate you.”
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“Why me?” *shouting*
The Hybrid
Because you are a perfect natural human being. Few survived the wars. Few have your intellectual capabilities. Fewer understand all the emotions. You do all that. We need you to complete our evolution just as the Xel’ Naga intended us to. We are the Universe’s destiny…”
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“Xel’ Naga?” *confused*
*The head of the Hybrid blows to pieces. Andrew shot it with a explosive round.*
Prv. Andrew Fischer
“We don’t have time for this. Banks needs medical attention fast. Call support at the LZ.” *serious*
*Two zerglings jump from some ridges and drop right in the middle of them. Andrew was caught off guard but Alona kills the both in a second.*
Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla
“You’re both welcome. Now let’s move. It’s getting pretty nasty around here.”
*Vibrations could be felt in the ground due to the massive zerg movement.*
Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor
“I repeat: we need immediate evac, we have an injured man.” *shouting in the radio as he was dragging Timothy with him.*
*Andrew took with him the corpse of a hybrid. It was very heavy but he managed to get it on his shoulders and still have in one hand his rifle.*
Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla
“Why are you carrying that?”
Prv. Andrew Fischer
“Remember the orders? We have to get this back to command.”
Corporal Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla
“Sure…” *not convinced it was the right thing to do*
*all of them running towards the LZ*
To Be Continued…
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